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Overview

The first book in the internationally bestselling Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage, featuring the funny and fantastic adventures of a wizard apprentice and his quest to become an ExtraOrdinary Wizard.

Septimus Heap, the seventh son of the seventh son, disappears the night he is born, pronounced dead by the midwife. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across an abandoned child in the snow—a newborn girl with violet eyes. Who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to the Heaps' beloved son Septimus?

The first book in this enthralling series by Angie Sage leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters and Magykal charms, potions, and spells. Magyk is the original story of lost and rediscovered identities, rich with humor and heart.

About the Author

ANGIE SAGE was born in London and grew up in the Thames Valley, London, and Kent. She loves the sea, spooky old houses, and time traveling (the easy way, by reading history books). Angie has created many books for children, including the New York Times bestselling series Septimus Heap and Araminta Spookie. She lives in England. Visit her online at www.angiesage.com and on Twitter @AngieSageAuthor.

Mark Zug has illustrated many collectible card games, including Magic: The Gathering and Dune, as well as books and magazines. He lives in Pennsylvania.

Read an Excerpt

Septimus Heap, Book One: Magyk

Chapter One

Something in the Snow

Silas Heap pulled his cloak tightly around him against the snow. It had been a long walk through the Forest, and he was chilled to the bone. But in his pockets he had the herbs that Galen, the Physik Woman, had given him for his new baby boy, Septimus, who had been born earlier that day.

Silas drew closer to the Castle, and he could see the lights flickering through the trees as candles were placed in the windows of the tall narrow houses clustered along the outside walls. It was the longest night of the year, and the candles would be kept burning until dawn, to help keep the dark at bay. Silas always loved this walk to the Castle. He had no fear of the Forest by day and enjoyed the peaceful walk along the narrow track that threaded its way through the dense trees for mile after mile. He was near the edge of the Forest now, the tall trees had begun to thin out, and as the track began to dip down to the valley floor, Silas could see the whole Castle spread before him. The old walls hugged the wide, winding river and zigzagged around the higgledy-piggledy clumps of houses. All the houses were painted bright colors, and those that faced west looked as if they were on fire as their windows caught the last of the winter sun's rays.

The Castle had started life as a small village. Being so near to the Forest the villagers had put up some tall stone walls for protection against the wolverines, witches and warlocks who thought nothing of stealing their sheep, chickens and occasionally their children. As more houses were built, the walls were extended and a deep moat was dug so that all could feel safe.

Soon the Castle was attracting skilled craftsmen from other villages. It grew and prospered, so much so that the inhabitants began to run out of space until someone decided to build The Ramblings. The Ramblings, which was where Silas, Sarah, and the boys lived, was a huge stone building that rose up along the riverside. I t sprawled for three miles along the river and back again into the caste, and was a noisy, busy place filled with a warren of passages and rooms, with small factories, schools and shops mixed in with family rooms, tiny roof garens and even a theater. There was not much space in The Ramblings but people did not mind. There was always good company and someone for the children to play with.

As the winter sun sank below the Castle walls, Silas quickened his pace. He needed to get to the North Gate before they locked it an pulled up the drawbridge at nightfall.

It was then that Silas sensed something nearby. Something alive, but only just. He was aware of a small human heartbeat somewhere close to him. Silas stopped. As an Ordinary Wizard he was able to sense things, but, as he was not a particularly good Ordinary Wizard, he needed to concentrate hard. He stood still with the snow falling fast around him, already covering his footprints. And then he heard somethinga snuffle, a whimper, a small breath? He wasn't sure, but it was enough.

Underneath a bush beside the path was a bundle. Silas picked up the bundle and, to his amazement, found himself gazing into the solemn eyes of a tiny baby. Silas cradled the baby in his arms and wondered how she had come to be lying in the snow on the coldest day of the year. Someone had wrapped her tightly in a heavy woolen blanket, but she was already very cold: her lips were a dusky blue and the snow dusted her eyelashes. As the baby's dark violet eyes gazed intently at him, Silas had the uncomfortable feeling that she had already seen things in her short life that no baby should see.

Thinking of his Sarah at home, warm and safe with Septimus and the boys, Silas decided that they would just have to make room for one more little one. He carefully tucked the baby into his blue Wizard cloak and held her close to him as he ran toward the Castle gate. He reached the drawbridge just as Gringe, the gatekeeper, was about to go and yell for the Bridge Boy to start winding it up.

"You're cutting it a bit fine," growled Gringe. "But you Wizards are weird. Waddyou all want to be out for on a day like this I dunno."

"Oh?" Silas wanted to get past Gringe as soon as he could, but first he had to cross Gringe's palm with silver. Silas quickly found a silver penny in one of his pockets and handed it over.

"Thank you, Gringe. Good night."

Gringe looked at the the penny as though it were a rather nasty beetle.

"Marcia Overstrand, she gave me a 'alf crown just now. But then she's got class, what with 'er being the ExtraOrdinary Wizard now."

"What?" Silas nearly choked.

"Yeah. Class, that's what she's got."

Gringe stood back to let him pass, and Silas slipped by. As much as Silas wanted to find out why Marcia Overstrand was suddenly the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, he could feel the bundle beginning to stir in the warmth of his cloak, and something told him that it would be better if Gringe did not know about the baby.

As Silas disappeared into the shadows of the tunnel that led to The Ramblings, a tall figure in purple stepped out and barred his way.

"Marcia!" gasped Silas. "What on earth"

"Tell no one you found her. She was born to you. Understand?"

Shocked, Silas nodded. Before he had time to say anything, Marcia was gone in a shimmer of purple mist. Silas spent the rest of the long winding journey through The Ramblings with his mind in turmoil. Who was this baby? What did Marcia have to do with her? And why was Marcia the ExtraOrdinary Wizard now? And as a Silas neared the big red door that led to the Heap family's already overcrowded room, another, more pressing question came into his mind: What was Sarah going to say to yet another baby to care for?

Silas did not have long to think about the last question. As he reached the door it flew open, and a large red-faced woman wearing the dark blue robes of a Matron Midwife ran out, almost knocking Silas over as she fled. She too was carrying a bundle, but the bundle was wrapped from head to toe in bandages, and she was carrying him under her arm as if he were a parcel and she was late for the post.

"Dead!" cried the Matron Midwife. She pushed Silas aside with a powerful shove and ran down the corridor. Inside the room, Sarah Heap screamed.

Silas went in with a heavy heart. He saw Sarah surrounded by six white-faced little boys, all too scared to cry.

"She's taken him," said Sarah hopelessly. "Septimus is dead, and she's taken him away."

At that moment a warm wetness spread out from the bundle that Silas still had hidden under his cloak. Silas had no words for what he wanted to say, so he just took the bundle out from under his cloak and placed her in Sarah's arms.

Editorial Reviews

Listen up, all Harry Potter fans (especially the younger ones): A new wizard has come to town. Actually, the arrival of Septimus Heap, the "seventh son of a seventh son," is a tad unusual. He is stolen at birth and pronounced dead all in the first chapter. That same night, his wizard family finds and takes in another child, Jenna, who grows into a plucky young heroine with an enigmatic heritage of her own. Rest assured, though, the boy wizard is alive and kicking-as is this first book in a suspenseful new series full of intrigue, medieval atmosphere, light humor, and a fresh take on the world of magic. (ages 8 to 12)Child magazine's Best Children's Book Awards 2005

This debut novel introduces the seventh son of a seventh son, who is destined to have deep magical powers. But in order to protect him, his identity must remain a secret. "The author eventually reveals the real Septimus in a clever, if predictable, turn of events," PW wrote. Ages 9-up. (Mar.) Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

Gr 4-8-A wide cast of characters battle the forces of Darke Magyk in a well-realized world of fantasy. At birth, Septimus Heap is carried away for dead, and his father, Silas Heap, is entrusted with a baby girl. When the villainous Supreme Custodian tries to assassinate the now 10-year-old Jenna, who, it turns out, is the daughter of the murdered queen, the girl flees to the Marram Marshes along with some family members, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard, and a young army guard known only as "Boy 412." Pursued by the servants of the Necromancer DomDaniel, and aided by an engaging array of magical beings, they finally prevail in a satisfying and fairly exciting conclusion. Despite the hefty length, the novel is quite easy to follow. Many creative magical elements, such as the deliciously repulsive Magogs, add to the fun. Frequent point-of-view shifts give a well-rounded picture of the multiple plot threads and add many opportunities for light humor. On the other hand, with so many characters represented, it's hard to feel strong empathy for any of them. Jenna, the Queenling, and Boy 412, in particular, nearly emerge as full-blooded individuals at times, but neither quite stands out as an engaging hero. Villains are well drawn and varied, and most are more comical than truly menacing. The ease with which a once-formidable enemy like the Hunter is finally dispatched, however, detracts a bit from the eventual triumph of the protagonists. Overall, this is a fine choice for fantasy readers looking to delve into a new world with lots of magic, plenty of action, and a few neat surprises.-Steven Engelfried, Beaverton City Library, OR Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal

Heads up, Harry, there's a new young wizard on his way up. Ten years after a complicated bit of baby-switching, young Jenna learns that she's not a member of the tumultuous Heap household (six boys, just imagine), but a hidden Princess. The revelation comes as she's being swept to safety, her life forfeit to a crew of thoroughly knavish baddies headed by Necromancer DomDaniel. Along the way, she and her protector, ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand pick up not only an assortment of fugitive Heaps, but an orphaned pipsqueak dubbed "Boy 412"-who gradually exhibits stunning powers of Magyk, as the local brand of spellcasting is dubbed. Tongue firmly in cheek, Sage creates a vividly realized world in which pens and rocks can display minds of their own, and a forest "still had a bad wolverine problem at night, and was infested with carnivorous trees." Ultimately, Jenna and Co. overcome all such obstacles, as well as their sly, dangerous, but bumbling adversaries, and Boy 412's (thoroughly telegraphed) true identity comes out. A quick-reading, stand-alone, deliciously spellbinding series opener. (Web site) (Fantasy. 10-13)

Kirkus Reviews

This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering.

The Bulletin for the Center for Children's Books

A fresh take on the world of magic.

Child Magazine

This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

This first book in the Septimus Heap series is a cheerful, clever offering.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

This was just one of those books that I could not put down! The story was very complex. I loved all the spells, characters and the story! I think readers will love to read about Jenna, Boy 412, Nicko and all the other fabulous characters in this book as they go on wonderful adventures in the land of Magyk!

Padfoot1998

More than 1 year ago

Looking for a fresh, new, fantasy? Then the Septimus Heap series is the series for you. I know that most people are fantasy lovers, and it's hard to find another series to read, other than Harry Potter. I myself couldn't stop reading Harry Potter, even after I'd read the entire series dozens of times. Finally, I made myself look for new books to try, and my hand happened to brush the spine of this wonderful book. I opened it's pages, and practically got sucked into it. I visited this awesome world of Septimus Heap, laughing at his joys, and despairing at his losses. I never got bored or tired of this book, and kept on reading it to the end. After reading through this series, I looked for more and more books, exporing through the world of possibilities. This book showed me that there are other great books out there, though I had thought not. I really would recommend this inspiring book to readers of all ages, so they can experience the magical world of this young boy. Go ahead; try something new.

Barbubblie

More than 1 year ago

I coordinate a reading program at a school and am a parent of a pre-teen. I bought this book for my son and ended up enjoying it so much that I added it, and the subsequent books in the series, to my personal book library.
Septimus Heap is from a large and poor magical family. He is the seventh son of a seventh son, which makes him desirable to both good and evil.
This entertaining story of how this young man develops into a hero is a must read.

VampMan

More than 1 year ago

This book is one that should not touch the inside of your bookbag or the top of your desk until you are finished reading every last page of it. Angie Sage and Mark Zug are amazing people and I wish that they would write more. This book captured me on the first page and did not lose me until the series was over. I will reread it until I die. This book is amazing. I can't wait to see what they do next.

Lindsey_Miller

More than 1 year ago

This series is often compared to Harry Potter, but I think in many ways it's much different. The only parallels that I see are that it involves a boy, who at one point is an orphan, and magic. Definitely written for a younger audience, the Septimus books have a tendency to be a little silly sometimes and the endings easily resolved. However, in contrast, Sage deftly creates an interesting world with often odd and humorous characters who have the ability to surprise the reader.The plot structures of each story vary, and, to any fantasy reader's great joy, she doesn't use the same antagonist throughout every single book. Some of the characters switch sides, and other, new bad guys emerge as the series progresses. Also, unlike many series writers, Sage will start a chain of events that last throughout several books, continuing to hook readers from book to book. She does not wrap everything up neatly, but is still able to finish a book in a way that makes the story seem complete. Then, the reader has the anticipation of discovering how some of the issues that arise in earlier books will unravel in later additions.
One of the things that I love specifically about this book in particular is that it's about a boy, Septimus Heap, who has no idea that he is, in fact Septimus Heap, nor does he understand that he's the hero or protagonist of the story. In fact, nearly the entire story he spends thinking he's someone else entirely. This was a new and interesting twist on the typical boy with magic powers story, and Sage does an excellent job of creating interesting scenarios that surprise and delight, especially for readers who explore this genre a lot. She seems to break many of the typical fantasy tropes and creates what is a unique and enjoyable story. I recommend this to all readers 9+, skewing more toward boys.
-Lindsey Miller, www.lindseyslibrary.com

ming_he_wang

More than 1 year ago

The book Magyk, by Angie Sage, and the first in the Septimus Heap series, truly is magical! This story introduces you to a new world, where magic isn¿t wizards waving wands. Anybody who wants to study and learn magyk can do so, using spell books and charms. In the whirlwind of action, you grow to love each character, and get to feel you know them personally through their well-developed personalities. Jenna, the princess who was unknowingly adopted by the Heap family when her mother was assassinated right after she was born. Septimus, the seventh son of the seventh son, who was kidnapped at birth and accidentally brought to the Young Army as Boy 412. The Apprentice, who was accidentally switched with Septimus when they were babies, and now believes himself to be Septimus Heap, is apprentice to the evil Necromancer and ex-ExtraOrdinary Wizard, DomDaniel. Other colorful characters are Marcia Overstrand, the current ExtraOrdinary Wizard; the ghost of her mentor, former ExtraOrdinary Wizard, Alther Mella; Nikko, Septimus¿s and Jenna¿s boat-crazy older brother; Aunt Zelda, the White Witch and Dragon Keeper who lives in Marram Marshes; Sarah and Silas, the Heap parents; and, of course, Maxie, the Heap family wolfhound!

When DomDaniel returns and renews his efforts to kill Princess Jenna and ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia, and to take over both the Wizard Tower and the Castle, the Heap crew knows there¿s trouble. They go with Marcia and the unwilling Boy 412 to hide out in Marram Marshes with Silas¿s Aunt Zelda, who is notorious for her disgusting cabbage recipes. While there they encounter many amusing creatures, like the Boggart, the huge swamp snake, the fishing boat occupied by chickens, and, of course, the feisty little Shield Bugs. After Marcia is tricked and kidnapped by DomDaniel, Nikko, Jenna, and Boy 412 have to risk the perils of his personal barge to try and save her. After an enchanted storm buries the barge deep in the mud pits, it¿s time for the Heap family, and Boy 412, to find out some surprises about their pasts. Of course, that¿s not until after the kidney and cabbage casserole!

This book is fast-paced and full of surprises and mysteries. I think an obviously strong point of Angie Sage¿s writing is imagery and description. You truly think you¿re tromping through the Marram Marshes, sailing the enchanted Dragon Boat of Hotep-Ra, navigating the halls of the Ramblings, or riding the moving staircase up to the Wizard Tower. Even in the darkest situations the tone stays cheerful, and the characters keep senses of humor, making this book a light-hearted adventure, perfect for a reader of any age.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This book is amazing i thought it was going to be another harry potter imitaiton but it is so much better and is worth the 3 days you may spend reading it in my case it was less

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This was as good a read as the first Potter book. It me laugh, cry and want to find out what comes next form the first page to the very end. I can hardly wait to read the second book in the series.

Amajorbibliophile

More than 1 year ago

"Magyk", the first book in a truly fantastic fantasy series, called "Septimus Heap", by Angie Sage is a book that will most certainly not have readers bored for even a millisecond. A wonderful author, Angie Sage puts just the right characters, scenes, and places in the book to make the reader just want to keep reading and reading and reading, without putting the book down. "Magyk" is a real page turner that anyone of any age will surely enjoy completely!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

My dad gave this book to me. At first I was reluctant to read it. I forced myself to read two chapters. It was hard to understand at first but got more interesting. I decided to read more. After several chapters I thought it was great. Now I'm reading the whole series and am waiting for the next book to come out. There will be seven books in all. I'd recommend this book to just about everyone who could understand at least part of it. Overall it is great. I am ten years old.

kidztales1

More than 1 year ago

This is a magical, funny book that's full of hope. I can't wait to read the 2nd book of the series. I was afraid that this book was going to be a copycat of Harry Potter. Boy, was I ever wrong. Move over Harry, Septimus Heap is in town!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I am only on the third chapter and i am totally in love with this book. You should totally read this book! Its awesome. I am sorry for the people who dont like this book.

Book-Worm711

More than 1 year ago

This absorbing story of the young Septimus Heap will keep you in suspense and wanting more the whole time. Once it is over you will not be able to wait for the next book and good news, you don't have to! Angie Sage has written four books to this series as of now and she may write more.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

A book you can never put down. This is WAY better than Harry Potter. Never get enough of MaGyK

Doris Boehling

More than 1 year ago

Magyk is a great book. Really and truly. It's great for dreamers and a page turner! I mean yes there are some "boring" parts in the story but every book has 'em. :D One time whn i was in B&N bookstore i was looking for a book to take to camp for a week i couldn't find any that fit my liking so i asked te sales lady i told her i was looking for another series to read besides percy jackson and the olympians and harry potter which i had already read. She pointed me in the direction of magic and said to me a lot of hp and pjo lovers are now reading this series it is also about a wizard. I decided to buy it and i loved it! I'm 11 yrs old the book was rlly suspenseful and was definitely a marvelous book. Angie sage did a wonderful job in my opinion. Go ahead and buy the book what exactly is the wordt tht can happen whag u didnt like it well at lst u tried it out. I jst started physic tonight. So stoked. MEEEP.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Recently I finished the last book in this series. I practically cried... until I learned there would be a second series! If you are debating whether or not to read this book, the answer is: READ OR ELSE! I guarentee you'll love it!

book_lover123

More than 1 year ago

I loved this series!
At first I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I loved the whole series! This is nothing like Harry Potter,
but in my opinion much better! I loved the idea of a girl being found in the snow (I won't spoil who she is)
and a boy being pronounced &quot;dead&quot;. The questions that had me reading this book, were
who is this mysterious girl and what happened to Septimus Heap. So I decided to read the book. You will not be disappointed
at all. Trust me!
The only reason I gave it 4 stars, is because this book didn't keep my interest at the beginning, but it is still an excellent read.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

My friend read all of them and said that they so good he read them agen.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

Im not finished but i wanted to say that i love witches, wolverines, wizards and little kids. I just love it. Omg..... its so good.

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This is an all ages friendly book, very entertaining, and a series worth its money and time. I am a fast reader, and, at the age of 13, am usually bored and this is personally the best way for me to spend my free time. Iwould just like to.personally thank the author for taking the time to write such a great series. Thanks, Angie Sage!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

This is an awesome book! It is a most read book that i subscibe to everyone. You should read it. ANL

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

People should know that it is a kids book, but its way adorable and so fun! I loved this book!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

If you like suspense,magyk, and a good cliff hanger you shoul definitly read this book and the rest of the series!!!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I absoultly love this book and the books following afterwards! If you are a Harry Potter fan this is the book and series for you! I am a fan of Harry Potter and after I had finished reading the series again I picked up this series and re-read it. Septismus Heap is the book for magic loving readers!

Anonymous

More than 1 year ago

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!! I read it once, and didn't finish it all the way though, so i found it again and i finished it and i LOVE IT!!!!!!!! THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!! You will fall in love with this book. Then you will read the one after this and the one after that and so on. Don't over look this book again, get it NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(:
<3
:9

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